MICHIGAN CENTRAL STATION

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Opened in 1913, Michigan Central Station is one of the most majestic and historic buildings in Detroit, but after the last train rolled out in 1988, it was sadly left to rot for decades. The photos in this set were taken between 2008-2010 when the station was in its greatest state of despair--wide open with scrappers and vandals coming and going as they pleased. My goal was to document the entire building before talk of its demolition became a reality.

Amazingly, the Ford Motor Company purchased the building in 2018 and after 6 years of meticulous restoration, MCS is celebrating its grand reopening in the summer of 2024! My old photos are now the "before" photos of a story that has a new happy chapter!

Michigan Central Depot -- © 2008 Joe Braun Photography
The front of the magnificent Michigan Central Station in the early morning light. BUY PHOTO
Michigan Central Depot -- © 2008 Joe Braun Photography
The station dressed up in Halloween gloom. BUY PHOTO
Michigan Central Depot -- © 2008 Joe Braun Photography
Guardian of the main entrance. BUY PHOTO
Michigan Central Depot -- © 2008 Joe Braun Photography
Broken glass in the great window above the waiting room. BUY PHOTO
Michigan Central Depot -- © 2008 Joe Braun Photography
Looking up at the faux pillars outside the top two floors. BUY PHOTO
Michigan Central Depot -- © 2008 Joe Braun Photography
Nothing says "welcome home" like barbed wire. BUY PHOTO
Michigan Central Depot -- © 2009 Joe Braun Photography
MCS and the Roosevelt Warehouse on a cold winter day. BUY PHOTO
Michigan Central Depot -- © 2015 Joe Braun Photography
Roosevelt Park, circa 2015. BUY PHOTO

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